无关

• Pinyin: wú guān
• Hanzi breakdown: 无 = simplified from 無, meaning nothing/without; 关 = simplified from 關, depicting a door bolt, meaning to close/concern

Meaning

Unrelated; irrelevant; to have nothing to do with. Indicates no connection between things.

Used to deny a relationship or connection between two things. Common patterns: 与...无关 (have nothing to do with...), 无关紧要 (unimportant, of no consequence), 无关痛痒 (of no concern). Opposite: 有关 (related to).

Examples

1. 这件事跟他无关，不要把他牵扯进来。 This matter has nothing to do with him; don't drag him into it.
2. 我认为这个问题与金钱无关，而是原则问题。 I believe this issue is not about money, but a matter of principle.
3. 他做出的决定与个人感情无关，完全是出于工作考虑。 The decision he made had nothing to do with personal feelings; it was entirely based on work considerations.

Usage Guide

Context: discussion, clarification, argument

Tone: definitive

Do Say

• 这与我无关。(This has nothing to do with me.)
• 成功与运气无关，关键是努力。(Success has nothing to do with luck; the key is effort.)

Don't Say

• 我跟他无关系 — 应该说'我跟他没有关系'或'我与他无关'

Origin & History

Compound of 无 (without, not have) + 关 (to concern, relate, barrier). Literally 'without relation.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal